Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    Gear Reviews

    Review: Rudy Project Windmax Fluo Helmet

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellMay 4, 2016No Comments5 Mins Read

    The Rudy Project Windmax helmet is a proven design that’s been worn by none other than Peter Sagan during three years of his four-year span of consecutive Tour de France green jerseys. It’s light and well-built and now comes in bright colors for added visibility.

    Rudy Project Windmax Fluo Helmet Features:

    • Removable bug stop mesh or standard pads
    • Includes carrying bag
    • RSR8 retention system
    • 21 large vents
    • Includes two removable visors
    • Weight: 250 grams S/M, 270 grams L
    • MSRP: $325
    Love how bright the Windmax Fluo is.
    Love how bright the Windmax Fluo is.

    Venerable Windmax goes high-vis

    Rudy Project has quite the name in eyewear for cycling and triathlon, so it’s no wonder they also have a strong helmet program. As I’ve found over the years, the helmet/sunglass interface can sometimes be challenging. Many mountain bike helmets feature extra protection in the back or straps/buckles that interfere with sunglasses. But, when you make both sunglasses and helmets, you can ensure that they both work in concert.

    As such, I’ve been using the Windmax Pro helmet exclusively with their Tralyx sunglasses (but glasses from other brands also seem to work just fine) and the duo is superb. The Windmax is Rudy’s top-shelf road lid, but aims to be flexible enough for MTB duty as well. To easily switch personalities, two snap-on visors are included. One is typical-sized for MTB duty and the other is aimed at road use — claiming a slight aero advantage. Having a visor of any sort on the road is a bit of a detriment since it blocks visibility, so you’re on your own, but I didn’t feel it was worth the hassle and loss of vision.

    Sunglasses stay put upside-down on top.
    Sunglasses stay put upside-down on top.

    The fit of the small/medium-sized helmet is a little small. I’m a 57cm noggin and with the included bug-stopping mesh pads, the Windmax was a borderline fit — a little snug, but workable. Luckily, the regular pads (though tedious to change) are more streamlined and gave me the perfect fit. I will say that I do shave my noggin, so if you do have thick hair, you might need to upsize.

    This helmet does sit a little higher than other helmets I’ve got. That higher perch does make for excellent sunglass clearance and aids in ventilation. Dialing in the fit is a ubiquitous affair with a ratchet dial in the rear. It does the job just as well as others on the market for a proper, jiggle-free fit.

    The Windmax is great in MTB mode with the snap-on visor.
    The Windmax is great in MTB mode with the snap-on visor.

    As far as cycling helmets and apparel go, I’m all for high-visibility. Anything I can get to be more visible is fair game and the Yellow Fluo color is plenty bright on the road and does also include reflective material in the rear for extra low-light visibility.

    The thin and light straps are comfortable next-to-skin and don’t seem to absorb too much sweat. On an Africa-hot century, ride I’m sure they will, but so far they are resisting the “salt lick syndrome.” The buckle closure is manipulated easily and the strap does also feature a wicking pad that frankly gets in the way more than it helps. Pitching it is easy and I prefer not having to deal with an extra bit of pad moving around the strap.

    Because it's essential that your helmet match your jacket.
    Because it’s essential that your helmet match your jacket.

    With a massive set of 21 vents, the Windmax certainly breathes well and rides quietly — suggesting an optimized aero profile. As the weather heats up, those vents come into play and keep things cool.

    Overall construction quality is top-notch with the use of Fybratek and In Mold technology. This combination reinforces the joining of the outer shell with the inner mold for a strong, unified system. Missing here is the addition of MIPS — something you’d expect at this price point.

    I’ll add that the visors are easily-mounted and removed — much easier than with any other removable visor I’ve used previously. So, if you’re apt to use this lid for MTB and road cycling use, you’ll be happy with that.

    The Good

    • Top-notch construction
    • Fit adjustments are as expected
    • Light, comfortable straps
    • Bright yellow color is always welcome
    • Excellent ventilation
    • Sunglasses stay put on top

    The Bad

    • Fit is on the small side — especially with bug net pads
    • Chin strap pad is unnecessary
    • Other-worldly MSRP (p.s. don’t pay full price)

    The Bottom Line: Rudy Project Windmax Fluo

    High-end helmets typically feature three things: ventilation, aerodynamics and safety. The Windmax delivers on those three promises, but not quite at the level of other top helmets on the market. Still, this is a great helmet if you can find it for less than MSRP.

    Buy Now: Available at e-Rudy.com (e-rudy subscribers get discounts)

    180
    SHARES
    ShareTweet
    Helmets Rudy Project
    Previous ArticleNiner Unleashes New Air 9 RDO
    Next Article Review: Sugoi Ignite Long Sleeve Running Shirt
    Jason Mitchell
    • Website
    • Twitter

    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

    You Might Also Like

    Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review

    March 29, 2023

    Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review

    March 27, 2023

    Fresh Goods: Redshift Arclight PRO Clipless and Flat Pedals

    March 24, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Review

    March 9, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    9.4

    Roval CL 50 Disc Wheelset Review

    September 13, 2019
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021

    Review: SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS for Road?

    October 5, 2022
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review
    • Fresh Goods: Redshift Arclight PRO Clipless and Flat Pedals
    • Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review
    • Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review
    • Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket Review
    • Santini Gravel Bib Tights Review
    • Sportneer K1 Massage Gun Review
    • Review: Giro Latch Mountain Bike Shoes
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.